Since I love the sound of my own voice, Modern Philosophers, I’m constantly using this blog to tell you about how I’m making big changes to improve my life.

Now I can do without the wise ass comments pointing out that I can’t actually hear my voice when I write. You know what I meant, and besides, you have no idea what goes on in my head and what I actually hear.

For all you know, I could be having the most amazing conversations with my blog posts every night. That’s for me to know, and for you to never find out.

Can you tell it’s been a long week and my inner child has not only taken over control of the lap top, but is also overtired and wearing his favorite cranky pants?

I’ve slowly been working to overcome some of the overwhelming number of fears that paralyze me on a daily basis.

No, I’m not trying to recreate myself as Daredevil, The Man Without Fear, but I wouldn’t mind being a superhero. All I really want, though, is to be a little less afraid of life so I can live it to the fullest.

This week, I took a major step in vanquishing my fear of airplanes, air travel, terrorist attacks, foreigners, confined spaces, countries where people drive on the wrong side of the road, and countries where soccer is the most popular sport.

That’s right, Modern Philosophers, I finally got my passport.

Meet Austin, your future world traveler.

Citizens of the world, prepare yourselves for the Modern Philosopher Road Show.

I don’t know where I’m going, when I’ll be there, and how long I’ll stay, but I will be venturing outside of this great nation’s borders for the first time in my life.

Sure, I’ve been to Canada, but that’s really just America’s attic. I’m talking real world travel!

I should never have allowed myself to go this long without a passport. Even if I was too afraid to get on a plane, there was no real need to ever overcome that fear since I knew I couldn’t go too far without my magical little blue book.

I don’t know if I’ll ever truly fly without fear, but at least now I can find out, right? Even if it’s an incredibly bumpy ride, it’s still better than locking myself away in the basement bunker of The House on the Hill.

The world deserves to be exposed to The Modern Philosopher, and I’ve kept it waiting far too long. The Modern Philosopher World Tour will begin soon enough.

Right after I knock off a few banks to finance my globetrotting and, of course, buy a decent piece of luggage.

I would have figured you as a fearless kind of guy. The best place for a first trip abroad is London. We speak their language. You might want to consider a tour so you will not be completely alone, but part of a group. You will spend more time seeing things and less time trying to figure out how to get around. Any travel agency, or AAA, will be happy to hook you up. Go for it!

Not for nothing, but doesn’t your girlfriend live in Ireland? There is nothing like true love to help in overcoming fear! Regarding liking the sound of your own voice, ME TOO!!! I mean, I like your voice too but I REALLY like my own, and you are right about the wise-ass comments. The voice we mean in this case isn’t our actual vocal chords (HATE that voice!) (uh, my own). It is the voice that emerges when we right, our delightful way with words (I believe we have that in common) (or do I flatter myself?). It is what my husband Steve means when he likes a foolish post of mine. I point out that I didn’t say much and he says, “I just like your voice.”

You must go to Italy. Non-negotiable. It is so beautiful, with wonderful people and amazing food and art and…gelato, OK? If nothing else go for the gelato and the high quality olive oil we simply can’t get over here. Go in the fall, when it’s nice and not overrun with tourists. I will (seriously) plan your whole trip. Give me your budget and where you want to go, and I can do everything. I’m really good at it. I’ll do that even if you don’t go to Italy. Which is of course where you absolutely must go.